In regard to the disdain of machine repair service, Any doctor can "service" you but if you never visit one perioducically, he may not be able to "fix" you. I believe in taking my machines in for periodic servicing as a preventative measure. None of my machines cost less than $500 new so, for me, it is worth preventing large issues in the future. I do the same with my vehicle. If I had paid less than $200 for one, then I would replace it when it no longer performs.
Sandy